At present, US-China relations are standing at a critical juncture. To what direction this relationship is heading concerns many people who care about it. We have already heard many rational voices such as the open letter signed by many scholars, including Amb. Bader and Prof. Dube. I appreciate your understanding of the importance of this relationship and wish to thank USC US-China institute and China-US Exchange foundation for providing us with this platform to exchange views on the current China-US relations.

To begin with, I would like to make a couple of points.

First, on the global uncertainty. In China, we would like to say the world is going through profound changes unseen in a century. This , on the one hand, refers to the changes in the international political and economic landscape as a result of the rise of emerging economies and the new round of industrial and technological revolutions. On the other hand, it refers to the various contradictions and challenges the world is facing with, which nudges humanity to a crossroads of conflicting solutions: globalization or anti-globalization, multilateralism or unilateralism, integration or isolation. Amid the global uncertainties and tensions, China has proposed its solution, that is to build a community with a shared future for mankind. We firmly uphold globalization and multilateralism and advocate cooperation, openness and win-win progress for common development.

Second, China-US relations are also going through some profound changes, facing with many serious challenges.

In face of the strong momentum of China's development, some people perceive it as a threat and challenge to US supremacy. They are trying every means to depict China as a major adversary, clamoring for a full decoupling with China, or even the clash of civilization. We should guard against those attempts to lead China-US relationship to the wrong direction.

The US side regards China as a primary strategic rival and has taken a series of erroneous actions in relation to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Xinjiang as well as on China's hi-tech development and people to people exchanges, which has caused serious setbacks to China-US relations, adding risks of confrontation between the two countries.

What concerns us is that the current China-US relations is very much affected by what is called the paranoid style in American politics which is highly politicized and ideologically biased. Under the prevailing atmosphere, playing tough on China becomes the political correctness. National security becomes a convenient pretext for politicians to block any normal business dealings or personnel exchanges between the two countries. Rational voices for constructive relationship are suppressed and objective opinions on China are replaced by distorted rhetoric.

Some people in the US are intentionally stirring up ideological confrontation by attacking Chinese Communist party and Chinese social system, which we believe has an ulterior motive. It poisons the atmosphere of the relations, making it more antagonistic.

Third, how shall we view the relationship and what direction shall we take our relationship to ?

China-US relations have achieved historic progress over the past 40 years since the establishment of the diplomatic ties. The development of this relationship has brought tremendous benefits to our people, contributing immensely to the peace, stability and prosperity of the world. We should do whatever we can to maintain the good outcome of our relations.

China-US relationship is built on common interests. Our interests are closely connected and intertwined, which means neither China nor the US can move ahead without the other. To decouple China and the US is neither sensible nor realistic. Despite many differences, China and the US still share lots of common interest both bilaterally and globally. We should enhance cooperation in those areas where we have convergence of interests and properly manage our differences to maintain a stable and healthy development of the relations.

We have been working hard to find solutions to the current trade friction. The latest round of China-US High-level Trade Consultation has produced positive outcome. This once again proves that so long as both sides demonstrate sincerity, take concerted efforts to address each other's core concerns, we can find solutions to any disputes.

Fourth, China's development is unstoppable. The US side should accept this reality and find ways to coexist with China. China is committed to building a China-US relationship of no confrontation, no conflict, mutual respect and win win outcome. We have no intention to scramble for supremacy with the US, nor do we want to overturn the current international order and system where China is also an active participant, facilitator and as well as important contributor.

China pursues a peaceful development path and its development is solely for providing a better life for its people and achieving rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. The recently concluded 4th plenary session of 19th CPC Central Committee has made an important decision to advance the modernization of China's system and capacity for governance, which will provide a solid institutional foundation for the long term development of China and realization of the two centennial goals. We will stick to the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics. This is a path of Chinese people's own choosing and has been proven successful by history. We have no intention to transfer our own ideology and social system to other countries; neither do we want others to impose their ideology and value concepts on us. The differences in ideology and social systems should not prevent us from working together.

Finally, I would like to add a few words on the issue of Hong Kong. The rampant violence that is going on in Hong Kong is a heinous crime which has nothing to do with democracy. When it comes to violence, everyone should condemn it. Any application of double standard is hypocritical and has an ulterior purpose. Ending violence and restoring order is the paramount task in Hong Kong at this point. We firmly support Hong Kong SAR government and oppose any foreign interference in Hong Kong's internal affairs. We are committed to upholding the principle of One Country, Two Systems and maintaining prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.